Archives Guide ~ Finance Commission (9701)

Historical note

The Finance Commission was initially established by virtue of an Order of the City Council, approved January 29, 1907, which authorized the Mayor to appoint a Finance Commission to consist of seven citizens of Boston. The commission was instructed to examine into all matters pertaining to the finances of the City, including appropriations, debt, loans, taxation, expenditures, bookkeeping, auditing and administration. By Chapter 481 of the Acts of 1907, authority was given to the commission to summon witnesses and to order the production of books, papers, etc. By Chapter 562 of the Acts of 1908, the commission was ordered to report its findings and recommendations to the General Court and its powers were enlarged to enable it to secure testimony on any matter within the scope of its investigation.

The authorizing statutes of the present Finance Commission are Ch. 562, Acts of 1908; Ch. 486, s. 17, Acts of 1909; and Ch. 740, s. 3, Acts of 1964. It consists of five commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Executive Council, the term of each being five years. The chairman is named by the Governor. The members of the commission, other than the chairman, serve without pay. The Finance Commission conducts investigations into all matters it deems appropriate. The Commission hires independent staff who conduct many of the investigations, with the Commission publishing and presenting all final reports. The Finance Commission also reviews, and if necessary investigates, all contracts referred to it and reports its findings and recommendations to the Mayor.

9701.001 Records circa 1910-1973 14 record cartons

Scope and Contents note
Includes reports, correspondence, studies and related information on issues investigated by the Boston Finance Commission. This collection is unprocessed.

9701.002 Publications 1908-1974 with gaps 85 volumes

Scope and Contents note
Includes Reports of the Boston Finance Commission and surveys on the Boston Public Schools, Building Department, Welfare Department, Health Department and Boston Elevated Railway.